A visually rich Pixar adventure with a strong emotional core, especially for viewers who like fairy-tale storytelling that leans into family conflict, Scottish atmosphere, and a prickly heroine. It’s not Pixar’s most complex screenplay, but the animation, humor, and mother-daughter dynamic make it an easy… Read more
Brave
Where to watch: Buy
Movie · Adventure · Animation
Thu · 1h 33m
Director: Brenda Chapman, Mark Andrews
Starring: Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly
Overview
In the mystical Scottish Highlands, Merida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus and Queen Elinor. An unruly daughter and an accomplished archer, Merida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. In an attempt to set things right, Merida seeks out an eccentric old Wise Woman and is granted an ill-fated wish. Also figuring into Merida's quest — and serving as comic relief — are the kingdom's three lords: the enormous Lord MacGuffin, the surly Lord Macintosh, and the disagreeable Lord Dingwall.
Director
Brenda Chapman, Mark Andrews
Cast
Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly
Curator Review
Verdict
A visually rich Pixar adventure with a strong emotional core, especially for viewers who like fairy-tale storytelling that leans into family conflict, Scottish atmosphere, and a prickly heroine. It’s not Pixar’s most complex screenplay, but the animation, humor, and mother-daughter dynamic make it an easy recommendation.
Best for
families
viewers who like fairy-tale adventures
fans of mother-daughter stories
people who enjoy lush animation and Scottish folklore
kids and adults looking for a warm but spirited fantasy
Skip if
you want Pixar at its most emotionally intricate
you dislike broad comic side characters
you prefer tightly plotted fantasy over episodic quest stories
you’re looking for a very original myth structure
Overview
Brave is one of Pixar’s most striking-looking films, built around misty Highlands landscapes, expressive character animation, and some of the studio’s best hair and texture work. The movie’s central appeal is simple but effective: a stubborn, gifted daughter and a controlling, loving mother are forced to understand each other under absurd circumstances.
Worth noting
The film’s reputation has softened over time, and for good reason. Its emotional ambitions are more modest than Pixar’s very best, but it has a clear point of view, a memorable heroine, and enough humor and adventure to keep it moving. The folklore elements are more atmospheric than deeply mythic, yet the setting gives the story a distinct flavor.
Bottom line
If you’re in the mood for a family fantasy with heart, momentum, and a strong sense of place, it works well. It’s especially rewarding for viewers who respond to stories about autonomy, generational tension, and the messy path from defiance to understanding.
Top Letterboxd reviews
sun (3★) · 6430 likes
Lady Bird for kids
˗ˏˋ suspirliam ˊˎ˗ (4.5★) · 3204 likes
AYE THIS FILM HAS NAE BUSINESS BEING THIS SLEPT ON IT’S SO UNDERRATED WHEN WILL YE ALL SHOW IT THE LOVE THAT IT DESERVES
ty (5★) · 3001 likes
Criminally (and I cannot stress this enough) underrated
emma (3.5★) · 2436 likes
Lady Bear (2012)
aaron (5★) · 2090 likes
mérida just wanted to do hot girl highland shit and i think that's beautiful
Themes
mother-daughter relationship, family conflict, coming of age, independence, responsibility, folklore, magic, identity